MODELING (2-2) PIEZOCOMPOSITES PARTIALLY SLICED IN THE POLYMER PHASE

Different attempts have been suggested to improve the efficiency of pi ezocomposites. Here, a new design which consists of subdicing the pass ive part of (2-2) composites is presented. A theoretical model based o n the series-parallel connections of elastic sections has been develop ed. It is shown that the cuts increase the electromechanical coupling coefficient. The model shows that, at high ceramic percent, the resona nce frequency decreases when cutting the composite. At low ceramic per cent the behavior is the opposite. Samples of (2-2) piezocomposites wi th low, medium, and high ceramic percent have been made, comparing pre dictions with experimental results. The agreement is satisfactory. Wit h this composite structure, another design parameter is added to the s earch for better piezocomposite performance.